Month In Review – A reflection on our communities past month’s achievements, community development and awesomeness!

Christy Smith Makes Strides

On June 27th, Assemblywoman Christy Smith shared the news that her first bill, Assembly Bill 853, was signed into law by Governor Newsom, after being elected into office in December of 2018. The bill relates to the affordability of college and serves as a testament to Smith’s desire to “help students pursue their dreams… in college”. The bill is intended to aid in the minimization of the student loan debt crisis, and is set to take effect this coming January.

College of the Canyons’ Largest Graduating Class

The Spring 2019 College of the Canyons graduation ceremony was the largest recorded yet, with over 700 students graduating. The increase in graduates comes because of the Canyons Promise program being offered by the college, which grants students the opportunity to pursue a college degree with new resources and support systems that encourage students to achieve their goal of graduating from college, with the added option of transferring to a four-year university after their time at COC.

87th Annual Independence Day Parade

A time-honored ceremony since 1932, this year’s Santa Clarita Valley 4th of July Parade was one for the ages. The parade featured floats from various organizations and companies, as well as a pancake breakfast, complimentary lunch, and a wonderful evening fireworks show over the Valencia Town Center and Stevenson Ranch. This year’s procession continued the tradition of patriotism and community togetherness, marking yet another successful event in the long-standing history of parades.

Jakes Way Neighborhood Program Honored

This year’s Innovation in Social Equity Award was bestowed upon the Jakes Way Neighborhood Program, a small community center in the heart of Canyon Country that provides opportunities for entertainment for those whose access to parks and other recreational establishments may be limited by financial or other setbacks. The award recognizes the importance of establishing programs and centers that allow for the facilitation of community enrichment, and the Jakes Way program has succeeded in achieving this since 2013.

Live Oak Manor Arch Moved

Known to many motorists, the Live Oak Manor rock arch was moved for the third time in its nine-decade long history. Built in 1926 by eccentric desert rat John E. Olmstead this iconic landmark was created to be a tourist attraction on the Newhall Pass. Moving a whopping 75 feet from its previous location, the arch will still be visible to motorist along Sierra Highway.

Playing Cricket for A Good Cause

On Saturday, July 13th, four local cricket teams gathered at Central Park to combine their love of the game with their dedication to serving a good cause. Two of the teams were associated with the Santa Clarita Cricketers, and the gathering provided an opportunity for the players to raise money for the Los Angeles Chapter of Child Rights and You, an organization that works towards restoring underprivileged children their basic rights to survival and development.

Santa Clarita Shakespeare Summer Theater Festival

The Santa Clarita Shakespeare Summer Theater Festival combined the best of theater, culture, and philanthropy this July, beginning with its fundraiser honoring the Patrons of the Arts in the SCV community. The festival featured two concerts, a puppet class, a showing of Tartuffe at the Main, and concluded with a free showing of Julius Caesar on August 4th. This year’s festival offered SCV residents a chance to indulge in the thrills and excitement of theater.

Earthquakes Shake Up Santa Clarita

This year’s Independence Day holiday was one to remember, with the day starting off with an earthquake that took Santa Clarita residents by surprise. After two more earthquakes shook the city later the following evening, news stations and local papers reminded SCV citizens that earthquake preparedness is a must. Locals took to stores to stock up on the essentials, and to make sure that they were ready to face any future tremors. Stay safe, Santa Clarita!

Veterans Honored at Annual Patriots Luncheon

On Thursday, July 11th, seven local veterans were honored for their service and dedication to protecting the safety of our nation. The event marked the 9th year since the tradition began, and took place at the Hyatt Regency in Valencia. The ceremony featured a tribute to local fallen heroes as well as the seven honorees, voted for by residents and participants of the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce. The luncheon was a wonderful way to express gratitude for those who have spent their lives serving for the betterment of their nation.

Intergovernmental Relations Manager
Bids SCV Farewell

As of Friday, August 2nd, Santa Clarita’s intergovernmental relations manager for nearly three decades, Mike Murphy, will bid his farewell to his post, as well as the city he’s served for years. Throughout his tenure, Murphy was involved in several essential decisions made regarding the future of projects within the Santa Clarita Valley, and views his hand in the city’s development as a positive chapter in his life that is gradually approaching its close.

Third Annual “Aquarium on Wheels” Returns to Santa Clarita

A fun and educational favorite of many, the Aquarium on Wheels (presented by Aquarium of the Pacific) returned to the Valencia Marketplace on July 12th. Accompanying the event were marine biologists, available to field questions from children and other attendees. The Aquarium on Wheels was open to children and adults of all ages, and provided a fun and informative way to learn more about marine life.

Summer Sunset Concert Series: An SCV Favorite

July 12th marked the kickoff for this year’s Summer Sunset Concert series, an ongoing Santa Clarita tradition for over two decades. The event is free to attend, and provides a great opportunity to get together and enjoy good music and fun times with your fellow Santa Clarita residents. The series takes place at the Valencia Marketplace and runs from July 12th to August 16th from 6 to 8pm. Be sure to stop by and get your summertime music fix!